January 31

In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, — Eph 1:11 BSB

In these words, the apostle presents us with a view of God’s omnipotent power, which brings His will into effect for the objects of His favor. This is a source of great blessing. After believing in the purposes of God’s grace and feeling assured of our interest in them, nothing strengthens and encourages us more than a realization of God’s power to fulfill them.

When we feel our own helplessness, weighed down by our daily weaknesses, mourning over our continual failures, and grieving over our backslidings—surrounded by enemies and distressed by fears—how strengthening it is to our faith to know that the God who purposed these things also has the power to carry them out. This assurance of God’s omnipotent power was the strength of Abraham’s faith, which enabled him to believe in the face of impossibilities and give glory to God (Romans 4:18-21). When we walk in the steps of Abraham’s faith and look up to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we not only see sovereign grace in His heart and infinite wisdom in His mind but also almighty strength in His arm. This sweetly persuades us that whatever God’s loving heart desires and His infinite wisdom plans, His omnipotent power will bring it to pass.